Virginia Peninsula USBC

LEGISLATIVE RESULTS OF 2014 USBC ANNUAL MEETING

RESULTS OF THE 2014 USBC ANNUAL MEETING LEGISLATIVE SESSION

The United States Bowling Congress held it’s annual Convention and Annual Meeting April 22-25 in Reno, Nev.

One of the major topics of interest to all bowlers are the proposals to be voted on.There were 825 voting delegates (794 association delegates, eight athletes and 23 board members) voted on six proposals relating to USBC bylaws (two were withdrawn), one proposal relating to league rules, and one proposal related to tournament rules during the legislative session. USBC bylaws proposals required a two-thirds vote to pass while league rules and tournament rules required a majority vote.

Five proposals (one league rule, one tournament league rule and three USBC bylaws) were accepted and three proposals (USBC bylaws) were rejected.

We are going to review the three that will most effect our membership:

League Rules (majority needed) Amendment No. LR 1 – Accepted (700 accept, 62 reject) Rule 115a. Dismissal of a League Officer or Player, Item 2 Allows notice and a copy of the complaint to be sent via email.

This change basically allows one more form of communication, email is commonly used for this type of communication across all types of organizations and industries.

Rule 115a, Item 2 will now read:

If written charges are filed, the following procedures must be followed:
a. Within one week after receipt of the written complaint, the league president should schedule a meeting of the league board of directors, and members of the board shall be notified. The meeting should be held at the earliest possible date.

b. Written notice and a copy of the complaint shall be provided to the individual(s) charged.

Such notice:
1) Should be sent by first class mail, hand delivered, or emailed.
2) Shall notify the individual of the date, time and place of the meeting, as well as his/her right to attend and offer a defense.
c. A roster shall be prepared listing those present and absent. A quorum of the board of directors must be present at the meeting. Minutes of the meeting and all documents and material relating to the charges must be maintained.
d. A two-thirds vote of board members present and voting shall be required for dismissal and/or removal from office.
e. The individual(s) involved shall be notified in writing of the board’s decision and of the right to appeal that decision to the respective USBC local association, or to USBC Headquarters. An appeal under this rule must be filed in accordance with Rule 119

Amendment to B1: Requires the local membership to approve the change in dues – Accepted (463 accept, 297 reject)

Amendment to B1 requires an approval by Association membership, by vote, at the annual Open Membership meeting to approve or reject a local dues increase.

Rule 115a, Item 2 will now read:

The Board shall not engage in any acts constituting a conflict
of interest. The Board’s duties include but are not limited to:
1.Enforcing the bylaws.
2.Complying with the USBC Association Policy Manual
3.Conducting championship level competition for its membership constituency (men, women and youth) and complying with state and local laws in their area.
4.Implementing USBC programs as requested.5.Determining dues.
6.Selecting/appointing the Association Manager.
7.Approving use of membership records.
8.Re-rating the league average of an association member when there is evidence the bowler’s average does not represent the bowler’s true ability.
9.Conducting suspension and reinstatement hearings if requested by USBC Headquarters.

This allows State Associations to increase the membership fee from One (1) Dollar to maximum of Five (5) Dollars.

Overview:

B 1 – With the recent elimination of USBC awards and local Associations stepping forward to fill the gap of awards programs this makes sense, associations need financial resources to develop an awards program, this is an expensive venture even for the largest of Associations. The amendment to B1 requiring membership approval give a check and balance to the requested fees increase.

B 4 – As with local association state associations are also feeling the effects of the economy, common sense should be the key to any fee increases with an explanation of why and how the new funds will be used.